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Rihanna Speaks Out Against Companies Using Trans People as 'Convenient Marketing Tool'

Rihanna provided a thoughtful response when asked about "inviting" a trans person to be in her Fenty Beauty campaign. "I've had the pleasure of working with many gifted trans women throughout the years, but I don’t go around doing trans castings," she wrote. "Just like I don’t do straight non trans women castings!"

"I respect all women, and whether they’re trans or not is none of my business," she wrote. "It’s personal and some trans women are more comfortable being open about it than others so I have to respect that as a woman myself!"

Rihanna turned her focus on the companies that align themselves with a trans person as a "convenient marketing tool" for their own personal gain. "I don’t think it’s fair that a trans woman, or man, be used as a convenient marketing tool," she wrote. "Too often do I see companies doing this to trans and black women alike! There’s always just that one spot in the campaign for the token "we look mad diverse" girl/guy! It's sad!"